See if any of your questions are answered below. Should you have any additional questions please feel free to contact us.
I’m not a programmer or web designer. Will I be able to use the ShopSite software?
Of course! You don’t need to have any programming or design skills to use ShopSite. That’s the beauty of it….it’s easy to use and control without any hassle.
The ShopSite software provides a user interface that places control of all changes and maintenance of your website with you.  Like any software application, you will have to learn how to use ShopSite but if you have basic computer and Internet browsing skills, you will easily be able to learn how to use the software efficiently and effectively. And of course, we will be there to help you!
How long will it take to create my online store and start making money?
Creating your online shop is simple and straightforward and customisation takes place in real time. You are in control and you can therefore be the master of how long it will take you! Once you submit your information to us we will evaluate your business needs and select a suitable template. Building it is an ongoing process but a typical store takes 1 - 2 weeks to get up and running.
Building and maintaining your online shop is an ongoing process. We cannot guarantee when and how much money you are going to make but we do know that if you regularly spend time developing and updating your website, adding new products and giving your customers the experience that they are looking, you will see the results.
Store installation/transfer is performed within one business day. After the procedure is completed, the store is accessible via a test URL. The convenient time of a final transfer is settled between you and us before proceeding.
How long after I publish my site will it appear on the Internet?
When you are ready to go live with your website a simple click of a button will publish it on the Internet almost immediately.
Once my website is published, do I need to market my business online and how?
No matter how great it may be, it’s no use having a website if no one knows that your business exists. In the competitive online retail environment it is vital that various advertising and marketing techniques are used to drive traffic to your website and convert customers. Monetise’s professional services will provide you with specific campaigns and strategies unique to your business requirements.
How large can my ShopSite store be?
Your storefront includes 500 MB of hosting space for Website content only. Each storefront can hold as many products as you want up to the storefront’s 500 MB size limit. Monetise can host larger stores, although there is a small additional hosting charge for the additional disk space required.
What will my URL and domain name be?
Your online store will have a default URL of: http://www.storesonlinepro.com/store /license# (for instance, a merchant with the account number of 1323864, will have the following default URL once the site is made public: http://www.shopsiteo.com/store/1323864).  One domain name that is be assigned to your website is included. Additional domain names may be directed to your store at an additional cost. Monetise will assist you with searching for and registering a domain name suitable for your business.
What if I already have an existing domain name and I want to change the hosting to ShopSite?
ShopSite supports this functionality. To change an existing domain name you must contact the registrar where you originally registered your domain name and modify the Domain Name Server (DNS) record to reflect the DNS records of ShopSite’s DNS. Only you or your administrative provider has the ability to do this but we are be happy to guide you in the process.
Which Internet browser do you recommend for operating my online store?
The ShopSite software is supported by both PC and Macintosh operating systems and operates across all internet browsers such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Safari. It is recommended that Internet Explorer is used to build and manage your shop.
What server requirements do I need to run my ShopSite web site?
Operating System: Linux, Unix
Web Server: Apache Web Server
Scripting Language: PHP 5.1.3 or above
Database: MySQL 4.1 or above
Can I use ShopSite with an existing web site?
Yes. ShopSite can be used on its own or as part of your existing website. - you would simply customize the header and footer HTML in your store so that it looks like your existing web site. All store designs include simple HTML and CSS and are extremely easy even for those with basic knowledge of HTML to customize.
Do I have to use the shop-front templates that are included in the ShopSite software?
No. Should you wish to create a website that is a little different, we are able to develop a unique shop front for you which will plug into the ShopSite software (at an additional cost).
What about security?
We know that security is a critical factor for all store owners and we take this issue very seriously. Our servers are PCI compliant and they are checked regularly via Comodo HackerGuardian, McAfee Secure (ex-ScanAlert) and Nessus vulnerability scanner.Also, our servers are protected from DDoS attacks via Cisco Guard and built-in LiteSpeed web server components.
What is a merchant account and do I need one?
A merchant account is an account that a business holds with a provider or its bank in order to facilitate online sales and payment via credit card. In order to trade online it is essential that a merchant account is set up. If you do not have an existing account we can help you set one up with Virtual Card Services (South Africa).
Which merchant account providers are compatible with ShopSite?
Monetise marketing is partnered with South Africa's leading secure payment provider (Virtual Card Service) with assure that all online transactions are safe and secure.
What is your refund policy for the ShopSite software?
All purchases come with an unconditional 60 day money back refund guarantee. If at any time within 60 days of your purchase you don't think ShopSite is for you, we'll provide you with a full refund.
